IFL: Samir calls for focus as pressure grows on Dempo

Panaji: Despite showing promise, Dempo SC have not been able to convert their chances. Now, with three crucial games in the first phase of the Indian Football League (IFL) left to be played, head coach Samir Naik hopes his team can finally step out with their heads held high.
Beyond the pitch, it is the dwindling crowd support that has caused concerns for the state that declared football as its official sport in 2012.
On Tuesday, Samir, a five-time national league winner with the club, urged football fans for their support as Dempo they take on Shillong Lajong FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
“During our playing days, I remember the west stand used to be full during our warm-ups. Now, it’s not the case,” Samir told TOI during Monday’s pre-match media interaction.
The five-time national champions are still looking for their first victory after six games this season. They have three points from the three draws which have left them ninth in the standings, just above bottom-placed Real Kashmir FC by a point.
Dempo did not convert their chances when it mattered most. In the last game against Namdhari FC, Dempo took an early lead after Marcus Joseph’s penalty, but a goalkeeping error by Ashish Sibi forced them to settle for a draw.
“It was a schoolboy error,” said Samir. “We never train that way. After the mistake, any other goalkeeper would have been down. But I could see at half time that he (Ashish) knew what he had done and showed character. He remained focussed thereafter. I believe in him and the entire team.”
Dempo will have to be sharp to surprise the visitors who have lost only a game till now. Lajong are third in the standings with 11 points and are challenging for the title.
“There is a lot of positivity in the dressing room. We are always positive regardless of the situation. I said earlier, the league is difficult and unpredictable. Things are changing rapidly. One win will push us up,” said Samir.
Only the top six teams challenge for the title in the second phase and Dempo still stand a chance if they manage to win three on the trot, while others drop points.
“The good thing is that we are creating chances. There is a little bit of less focus or distraction with players maybe. But if we score in the early stages, we have a very good chance,” said Samir.
Samir has a full squad available for Tuesday. The kick off is at 6.30pm.